“The disorders were not spontaneous and there exists an organization trying to topple the government in an unconstitutional and violent way,” said Miguel Rodriguez

CARACAS, February 14, (ITAR-TASS). Disorders in the Venezuelan capital Caracas that began Wednesday after a student manifestation “had the character of a conspiracy” and were instigated by plotters who had been trained abroad, Interior Minister Miguel Rodriguez said Thursday speaking to reporters.

“The fascist groupings took specialized training abroad,” he said. “The disorders were not spontaneous and there exists an organization trying to topple the government in an unconstitutional and violent way.”

Rodriguez apportioned blame for organizing the riots to Leopoldo Lopez Mendoza, the leader of the oppositionist Voluntad Popular party, and he urged the moderate opposition “to stay away from supporting those who seek to push the country into a civil war.”

“Let’s conduct dialogue,” Rodriguez said. “Please offer your own plan to the country and let the people decide on which pathway to choose.”

Manifestations of young Venezuelans in support of the administration of President Nicolas Maduro and against it took place in different cities of the country Wednesday. They were timed for Youth Day.

No incidents were registered at the beginning but clashes between oppositionist-minded youngsters and the police began later. A total of three people died as a result and twenty others received injuries.